Stampede Blue
There is no room left for the Colts (6-7) to suffer another defeat, trailing the Broncos (8-5) by two games in the AFC wild card race. The Broncos face the Colts, then visit the Chargers (8-4) and the Bengals (4-8), before the regular season finale against the Chiefs (11-1) on Empower Field at Mile High.
Four months ago in the preseason opener, Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson officially made his return to the gridiron and showcased the first series alongside running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix also made his NFL preseason debut in Indianapolis, leading Denver to four scoring drives and a 34-30 win inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Denver selected Nix with the No. 12 overall draft pick in April and the 24-year-old signal caller earned the starting nod after his first performance, completing 15-of-21 passes for 125 passing yards and one touchdown.
Denver and Indianapolis are two of six teams who drew the final bye week of the regular season. As players enjoy their first week off, the fresh start gives them a chance to recover before what may perhaps be the most significant game left this season. There is no room left for the Colts (6-7) to suffer another defeat, trailing the Broncos (8-5) by two games in the AFC wild card race. The Broncos face the Colts, then visit the Chargers (8-4) and the Bengals (4-8), before the regular season finale against the Chiefs (11-1) on Empower Field at Mile High.
Indianapolis holds the 31st ranked remaining strength of schedule and opened December by stealing a victory in thrilling fashion over former longtime playoff foe New England. Richardson led his second rally on the final drive in the last three weeks. The Colts went 3-for-3 on fourth down during the game-winning drive to complete Sunday’s comeback, which is tied for the most by any NFL team on a single drive this season.
Richardson may develop more in the pocket if his front line continues to efficiently protect him. Despite starting three rookies on the offensive line, Indianapolis did not allow a sack for the second consecutive week. Colts receivers aren’t making it easy for Richardson as his 12% drop rate from his pass-catchers is the worst among starting QBs. Undeterred by his worst completion percentage among starters, Richardson has come through with clutch, explosive plays when the game is on the line. His 7.4% big time throw rate is the best among starting QBs.
A few keys to emerge victorious in Week 15 will depend on limiting the Broncos inside the red zone. Safety Julian Blackmon picked off Patriots’ rookie quarterback Drake Maye at the goal line late in the third quarter to secure the sixth takeaway inside the red zone for the Colts this season, which leads the NFL. Winning the turnover battle should be stapled on every big board inside the locker room. The Colts have yet to allow a touchdown on an opponent’s opening drive or lose a...
